No the cell processor isn't more powerful, it's just that it's priorities lies elsewhere, where else a PC can run GP code and let the OS sort out shit and the processor handle itself, the Cell is harder to program for as it trades die space for pure FPU performance. Think of it as an idiot that can run 60kmph easily but won't stop if a car is heading his way. It requires more handholding, more optimization and certainly more programming time. No, even the PS3 has it's own dedicated GPU, which is a geforce 7900 Equivalent.

PROTIP : The PS3 looks good because it's games have low native resolutions and then are upscaled. And code is more streamlined on the developers part.

Some rendering is hardware limited in form, it's obvious that the 8800 series will beat the 7900 series in the PS3 in terms of qualitative rendering, no amount of fancy programming can push hardware limitations, although you can trick the end user or implement more costly forms of rendering at high perf hit levels.

If you must know, a 2k PC can beat a 2k PS3 soundly. The end.

Fun factor is still at debate, i've had alot of fun with a Wii and it has totally rubbish specs.

When a PC runs multiple threads, the OS or Windows generally schedules it, and the processor breaks it down and reschedules it more for superior performance.

This doesn't happen on the PS3 or the Xbox360, all threads have to be preprogrammed, preassigned, preoptimized and such, that's why the best games that a console has to offer usually comes out a year or two after the console is released, because all the burden of extracting performance from the code is put on the shoulder of the programmer rather than the chip designer.

A simple analogy would be in the PC

3 Threads are asked to be run at the same time. Any 3 threads lah, random, say one is program A, and the other 2 thread is from other programs B and C

1) OS Schedules threads, sends threads 1 and 2 to Core1 and thread 3 to Core2
2) Processor buffers instructions, schedules and rearranges the instructions.
3) Processor dispatches for processing.
4) Result.


In say the Xbox360.

There are 3 threads now from 1 program. But remember, there's no fancy PC scheduling here.

So,

1) Programmer assigns Thread 1, 2 and 3 to Cores 1, 2 and 3
2) Programmer optimizes code that best suits the Xbox processor
3) Programmer factors in branching, nests and other code conditions
4) Programmer tests the code and reoptimizes it
5) Load into game and Xbox360 processor


TL:DR, PCs can run alot of unoptimized code and differnet programs well without issue. This is great for multiple use or general purpose machines like most comps are.

Consoles can only reach their maximum potential with very optimized code and alot of programming. Great for single purpose machines, like the Xbox which is for entertainment only, not work.